Wednesday, March 14, 2012

NNSA Helps Vietnam with Safety Plans as It Contemplates New Reactors

Experts from the agency that oversees the safety of U.S. military nuclear programs recently met with Vietnamese regulators to help them improve accident preparedness as the country makes plans for four new reactors.

The National Nuclear Security Administration and the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety addressed emergency planning, air monitoring and emergency management. NNSA personnel also demonstrated plume modeling techniques and specialized radiological detection equipment.

“I am pleased that NNSA emergency personnel were able to meet with Vietnamese officials to help enhance their emergency management systems,” NNSA Associate Administrator for Emergency Operations Joseph Krol said in a release. “The sharing of knowledge and expertise with other countries demonstrates our commitment to support our international partners while delivering on President Obama’s nuclear security objectives.”

NNSA also reached an agreement to conduct medical and search training in Vietnam this summer. NNSA collaborates with 80-plus countries to help them improve nuclear safety and emergency planning. In Vietnam, the International Atomic Energy Agency has offered assistance as well, with its Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review mission announced in 2009.

Currently, no power reactors operate in Southeast Asia. Vietnam has crafted several plans in recent years to help meet its growing energy demands using nuclear power. In 2010, it reached intergovernmental agreements with Japan and Russia to build four reactors at two sites in the country’s interior, according to the World Nuclear Association.

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